Chinese shares higher in morning trade

Chinese share prices were higher on Friday morning trade led by airlines and oil refiners as a sharp drop in world crude prices eased worries over rising fuel costs, dealers said.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index, which covers A and B shares, added 30.55 points or 0.90 percent to 3,431.99 by 10:21 am (0221 GMT).

The Shanghai A-share index was up 32.12 points or 0.90 percent to 3,601.00 points, while the Shenzhen A-share index gained 0.63 points or 0.06 percent to 1,085.77.

Dealers said sentiment was lifted after light sweet crude in New York fell a hefty 4.41 dollars to close at 126.62 dollars per barrel overnight, the lowest close in the past two weeks.

(Agencies)